Understanding what is the best option for treating your kidney stone can be difficult. In our new chart, we summarize the benefits and drawbacks of each surgical option. While it still won’t make the decision for you, it can help you to make an informed decision when talking to your urologist. For more detailed information and videos, see our treatment pages.
We always welcome feedback. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve the chart by leaving a comment below.
I don’t knw the size of stone bt doctor told multiple stones in pelvic cavity?phleboliths. …what does it mean…what shld I do next…plz help
mine was 6mm in lower pole. I had lithotripsy done. Within 3 days I had passed all the fragments. I will definitely do it again if need. My advice is not to wait and observe, I’m not a doctor but believe an existing stone acts as a base for more material to accumulate, meaning it will continue to grow if left alone. The bigger it gets, the less options you have for removal.
I have had 7 surgeries in 8 weeks. I’m getting mixed reviews from people saying that is totally unheard of and overly dangerous to the organs. Then also been told no that’s normal if you have a lot of stones?
Little break down: Had stones off and on for years. But overly frequent the last year or so. Averaging 3-5 stones a month. Well early February I had a stone that wouldn’t pass and went to the hospital they said it was an 8 mm and would require surgery. I followed up with the urologist and he recommended lithotripsy so I went in the very next day and had that done. Then 2 days later while in recovery at home I was in worse pain than I was before. Went back to the hospital they said the lithotripsy had actually knocked down three more stones that were anywhere from 7 to 9 to 10 mm and they are blocking the right kidney and I was losing kidney function. To make a long story short spent three days in the hospital, urologist put in bilateral stents (both sides) completed my first ureteroscopy to clear those stones. Then been having surgery every Friday taking turns on both sides. Had one more ureteroscopy on the left side, and then 5 more lithotripsy. With stent removal last week. I’m hoping I’m done but I will have to wait to see what the KUB shows now. Urologist says I now need to see a nephrologist. I’ve been told it’s probably a thyroid condition.
And insight you guys could give me? Has anyone had any lasting effects from lithotripsy? I ask because since starting I’ve now got hypertension and a heart arrythmia. Could those also be due to the thyroid? Or is this from the surgeries? I read a study that people who have had repeated surgeries of this nature were at an increased risk for hypertension and diabetes!
I’m also very concerned about being on Percocet for 8 straight weeks.
Thanks in advance!
Forgot to mention I’ve added up about $150,000 in medical in 2 months as well. Which isn’t good for the stress part of all this!
hey I been dealing with stones since 2004. I have had all the surgery stents all so.now there telling me I got stones in my right kidney I will be 50 this year.trust me I am not quick for that surgery.my right do not bother me at all. my left side do.my kidneys are good I do not have stones that often.like I have in the past.
I was in the same boat.. exactly
Same thing happen to me back in 2015 with lithotripsy and all hell broke loose .. no lasting effects . Fwd 2023 I had same thing happen 9mm stuck in my urethra.. I told them NO on lithotripsy and straight for the ureteroscopy … placed a stent and im in recovery. You are not alone
Hi I suffer with cystinuria. I current have a 16mm Stone will Ureteroscopy work for this size stone. As I am scheduled for this procedure in 3 weeks time
The chart (above) says it is good for stones <1cm (less than 1cm. 1cm =10mm)
Hi I have 8mm stone in utertero vasical I have gone through Lithotripsy Thrice.. And Stone is still there.. Please let me know if I should go through operation?
Sir 5mm stone will passed or operation
I wouldn’t want to pass a 5mm stone. It would be very painful and could get stuck for long time. If a stone is blocking urine for too long, it can cause kidney damage. I had great experience with my lithotripsy.
Hi sir my father have only one kidney stone of 5.4 mm… Can you please suggest a treatment??
I wouldn’t want to pass a 5.4mm stone. It would be very painful and could get stuck for long time. If a stone is blocking urine for too long, it can cause kidney damage. I had great experience with my lithotripsy.
I have a 17 mm stone in my right kidney. I have had 2 shockwave treatments and the stone is still there. The doctor said that it decreased in density because it is not as white in color, but not size has not changed. He has decided to do the Ureteroscopy Laser Lithotripsy and believes he can remove it best that way. I am worried because the stone is all the way in my lower kidney. It is definitely a stubborn one. Should I be concerned and can they get that far down into the kidney? Please let me know what you think.
Regards, Jodi
I’m wondering what the possible complications and/or negative consequences are for each of these procedures, and how likely they are to occur… ?
The first part of your question is answered in the chart, above.
I have 8 mm on my right side and 11 mm on my left side kidney stones grew 2 to 3 inches in just six months. No pain as of yet I’m now going to have to get sound wave therapy but I’m not sure if it will get the job done.Is that the right therapy for me.
Get the laser uteroscopy. The shockwave therapy is unreliable and best IF they can track the stone via x-ray. The uteroscopy inserts a camera and they will find that stone if its exited the kidney.
If you are pursuing the state be in the kidney, the nephro surgery is the only viable option.
I have 9.7mm calculus at right utertero-vasical Junction and stone is visible on plane x-ray. I am 64yr male, my urologist suggest me laser uteroscopy. I m quite worry about stent pain. Suggest me best options.
The stent is definitely painful and constant but not severe. I would equate it to being actively sick with the flu- it’s awful but with rest, quiet, medication to take the edge off, you’ll be fine. If you have it inserted, prepare ahead of time by taking time off work, have food in the house, water, and no appointments other than medical and allow yourself to rest. You’ll want to be laying down or standing up- sitting is probably the least comfortable position. I wish I had a recliner when I had mine.
I had my stent for 8 days and removal was awful- but it took 2 seconds so no big deal. Relief was instant so if you have a stone that isn’t cooperating- get it done because 8 or 9 days is well worth it to keep your kidneys safe.
how big ur stone was?…was it done privately?
I’m the kidney stone queen! I have had probably 10 lithotripsy and one where they remove it with a small incision in the back. The stone covered 75% of my kidney. My advise to anyone. I learned my lesson about waiting! I thought I went to the best at Shands in Gainesville.. There were 2 surgeries..1st one Dec 2012 had to put a pee bag on my back for 3 weeks until I went back for the second round where they hit near my line in between the lung and somewhere….can’t remember……Chest tube was needed and that by far was worse than the actual surgery! We are talking 8 hours altogether a stent, chest tube, pee bag and staff infection…..and the worst experience of my life…
So, I say do it before it gets worse! Just had another lithotripsy today on my other side that was 1 cm. I have two on the other side that I will get done shortly. Hey it lasted 5 years…plus no stent and I can play tennis in Tues! Lol.
My mother has a 24mm Stone. And she is also in diabetic. So, pls give me suggestion which operation is better for them???
Hello sir ,i have kidney stone of size 1cm in upper ureter .i want to know that is it necessary for operation or medicine are sufficient
Any stone above 5mm becomes more difficult to pass. 1cm is a medium stone that will not pass on its own. I’ve had several all 2 to 5 mm and they hurt like hell.
I have a 1 cm stone now and tried laser ureteroscopy surgery last week after living with pain and blood for two plus weeks. Ureter was too small so I’m in second week with a stent then go back to try agin. I have had horrific pain and fatigue. I’ve had to take narcotics every day. Sometime after I pee it feels like a knife is stabbed in my kidney. Cramping can bring me to tears but I also have long stretches with only discomfort. But I am on leave from work as I’ll have another stent post procedure for at least a week and possibly a third surgery if they can get the 1cm in one trip.
So 5-6 weeks of hell for a medium stone. Will do anything to avoid another one.
Hi I have a 12mm renal stone in my right kidney and on my left side kidney I have a lower polar cyst lesson . What are these ? and what surgery would I be receiving.
Is it still there or passwsd away?
Don’t freak out, it’s not that painful. Having my IV started was the worst part of the entire experience. The first time I was on here I was looking for information on what to expect, everything I read sent me further into panic mode and my anxiety level was at a 10. I am writing to let those who are going through or getting ready to go through this experience for the first time to know, it’s not that bad. My anxiety was worse than the actual procedure, recovery time and stent removal combined. I did water aerobics twice while I had my stent in place, granted I did modify my routine somewhat, but I was able to get out there and excerise.
I have had two ureterscopy and cystoscopy with double j stent placement done within the last 6 weeks. The first was to remove a 5.4mm in my ureter, a 6.5mm and 5.4mm with the scraping of the walls of the right kidney to remove beginning stones
with a double j stent placement. The second was to remove a 15mm stone in my left kidney, however when my Urologist was there he found two other stones between 4
5mm, with others beginning. He took care of all those however, the15mm stone was unable to be removed, it was in one of the”pockets” of the kidney and will grow until that pocket is filled up. As long as I am having no problems, we will leave that stone alone. Again, a double j stent as been put into place. I am post-op 4 days now, having mild, very very mild periodic cramping at times.
Yes, I have to say the first time you urinate after surgery, there is minimal burning, but that was the worst of it. Especially considering that you are still under the effects of general anesthia…it’s nothing. Since the first time urinating I have had no burning, but continue to have cranberry colored urine from the procedure, which is normal. I have experienced cramping, no worst than menstural cramps. The removal of the stent is a cake walk. I experienced no pain at all, just a feeling of pressure that lasted maybe 3 seconds.
I am writing to let those out there getting ready to experience one or both of these procedures, it’s is not bad, and you are going to breeze right through this with no problem.
Thank you very much for this information. It’s really helpful especially for a first timer like me. Praying for your fast recovery. God bless.
I had horrible pain with my stent placement. I had to go to the ER!! Non stop vomiting. I missed 3 weeks of work. My doctor Tried the ureterscopy but was not able to reach the stone. She wants to see me next year to have a ultrasound. I had lithotripsy already and that did not work. I was told the next surgery would be going into my back into my kidney to remove the stone. I’m nervous about it. But for now she wants to monitor meZ
How bog is your stone
I had laser lithography in February this year but still feeling mild pain and back pain. lvu results show no stones, please your response is highly appreciated. even though the Doctor did not put stent during the procedure.
i have only one stone/caculi of 6.6mm in the mid pole of left kidny since 2009.it has not moved from mid pole since then.one doctor advised for lithotripsy.is it neccessary to go for lithotripsy ?.no notable pain so far
No sir. Don’t touch it till you will have severe pain. I had 4 KS in my LK. The biggest was 43 mm and 3 of it from 12-19 mm. I suffered for 3 years. Finally I had a PCNL surgery in Iran with a great sucess. Everything was fine and the total cost was only about 50$ (Fifty US$). Unbeleivable. I received a high class service with 3 nights at the hospital and the X-Ray after the operation showed just one 15 mm stone left there. So next week I will go through an ESWL operation and that’s it. Iran has got several hospitals very specialist in kidney operations.
i have stone at my left or right side but leftside i have operation yesterday so dj stent recently put inside so its possible to right side on lithotripsy esl process?
I m 17 mm kidney stone in a raight side
i advice to Dr pls tell me
and i m pragancy reciveded in a 7 week
Dr. Pls tell me my salution
ki muje kya karna chahiye
pls tell me ans
I have a 13 mm stone slipped from kidney and travelling towards bladder. Doctors have suggested URS. Is there any other way? Is URS painful? Is there any side effects I.e. infection ect.?
Dr. Iam having 17mm kidney stone in side it pain me back n in blader heavy what should I do go for surgery or medicine pls advice me
i have 17 mm stone lying at the renal pelvis what shall i do to it pl suggest!
Sir 11.5 mm stone is in Left Kidney PUJ Region is it will be pass easily or surgery is required if yes then which ?
If you have pain, an Ureteroscopy could help you easily. Also an ESWL may help to breakdown the stone. Using a stent will help you to pass it with the least possible pain for the passage of the stone through urinary.
Have had two stents for stones. While the stent may be unconfortable, passing of the stones is painless down to the bladder. Placing of a stent is painless as anesthesia is used, removal of a stent is a very quick procedure which should be done under anesthesia.
Have had litho twice, stones still in kidney but smaller. Was going to leave it, but u can’t get travel insurance, so I am considering surgery, but afraid odd stint horror stories. I can leave them and zap them again if they grow. Just afraid of them leaving kidney and travelling. Have had side and upper back pain, on and off
Don’t be affraid of! I was travelling round the world with 4 of it. 12 – 43 mm. Finally I got the operation (PCNL) and now I got one 12-15 mm there. So I will go through ESWL by the next week. Good Luck and there is nothing to be affraid of.
Hey! Ahmad hope you are fine now, as i read your old comment here in which you said you will go through ESWL. Please let me know was ESWL useful to you? did you feel pain or anything else was harmful for you? I hear that it sometimes damage our kidney or cause blood in urine. there are several disadvantages of ESWL. Please make me aware of it soon as you can.
Thank You!